Federal Conservative constituency associations in British Columbia took in almost twice the amount of individual monetary contributions as their Liberal counterparts in 2006. According to Elections Canada, the Tories received at least $420,287.43 in such contributions from their supporters - $197,318.51 more than the Grits, who raised $222,968.49. This, despite the fact the financial transactions returns for nine Conservative ridings in this province aren't yet available online. Meanwhile, the 32 New Democrat constituency associations with available returns have declared $288,749.92 in contributions.

In the category of former provincial Liberal political aides bending the ears of their former bosses, Public Eye is pleased to provide another example: last month, Burrard Communications Inc. associate Forrest Parlee, a former executive assistant to then children and family development ministers Christy Clark and Stan Hagen, registered to lobby the provincial government on behalf of TransLink. Also representing the Lower Mainland transportation authority is Mr. Parlee's present employer, Mark Marissen.

Community Living British Columbia's chief executive officer Rick Mowles has rolled out significant changes to the way the provincial government authority delivers its services. Under the previous model, which was put into place in 2005, work that had been done by social workers was split between so-called "facilitators" and "quality service analysts." Facilitators became responsible for developing support plans for the developmentally disabled, while analysts were charged with approving those plans. But, according to special needs advocate Dawn Steele, an operational changes memo obtained exclusively by Public Eye appears to abandon aspects of that model.

"These changes restore many elements of the traditional one-stop shop social worker role. So, in many respects, they're throwing out a lot of what has been built over six years - which is based on this premise of two separate command structures - and going back to square one. What a waste!"

That being said, though, Ms. Steele said the changes "do acknowledge the serious complaints that I and others have been consistently hearing and conveying since CLBC's inception, so kudos to CLBC for finally hearing and acting." Specifically, Ms. Steel explained the separation of authority between facilitators and analysts resulted in a "strictly divided silo bureaucracies of planners" that became a source of "petty, unnecessary frustrations."

But, even though some of those frustrations may be relieved, she says, "The bizarre part is that the role of front line staff will apparently now focus more than ever on redirecting the people who come to CLBC for help to go find it somewhere else. It's bizarre that the agency responsible will now more than ever be set up to send people away to find community living supports somewhere else."

Community Living British Columbia, though, disputes Ms. Steele's statements. Responding to a request for comment placed last week, authority external relations advisor Lisa Gardonio writes, "We are modifying some operational practices at Community Living BC to better streamline and enhance our services for the individuals and families we support. These changes will provide staff with more time to focus on building the infrastructure necessary to fully implement our service delivery model."

Continued Ms. Gardonio, "We have always said we will listen to what works best for individuals and families and we are doing just that. These changes reflect input and feedback from both our staff and the individuals we serve." The following is a complete copy of the aformentioned memo.

***

Focus on Individuals and Families - Operational Changes

Further to CLBC's ongoing commitment to continual improvement and in response to feedback from individuals, families and CLBC staff, CLBC is modifying some operational practices to better streamline and enhance our services.

Current Situation

CLBC's commitment to develop support plans is having a number of unintended consequences:
* Individuals and families increasingly link plans with funding and resource allocation
* Individuals and families are routinely waitlisted to have a plan developed
* People with completed plans are often waitlisted for services or offered existing programs
* Time spent on plans that are not implemented pre-empts time for community development
* Plans submitted by individuals, families and providers take analysts significant time to review and assess
* Individuals and families are increasingly requesting continuity with contacts at CLBC for family support, information and self advocacy issues prior to plan development

This situation negatively impacts CLBC's staff time and financial resources. The service system remains crisis driven and individuals, families and staff are becoming increasingly frustrated.

Actions

CLBC will take these actions to support the move to a more proactive person-centred system:
* Individuals and families will;
* Have the name of a facilitator to call for information and advice
* Be advised of funding availability prior to any discussions about participating in a person-centred planning process to access supports and services
* Be offered support to help gain access to generic and informal community supports, without developing a plan
* Receive the support they require from facilitators to resolve their concerns and increase their capacity for the future
Facilitator time will be prioritized to provide family support and for plan development where CLBC can implement the funding request in the plan. Funding priorities will be determined between Managers and Community Councils at the local level.
* Some services such as day programs, supported employment, respite, and life-skills training may require less detailed planning. Local Managers to determine the requirements.
* Whenever possible, analysts will use the Guide to Support Allocation and the new negotiating instructions when designating new funding or when reviewing existing contracts
* Confirmation of eligibility will become the responsibility of facilitators
By streamlining the planning process, and better organizing responses to individuals and families;
* Facilitators can dedicate time to:
* Expand capacity of generic and other unfunded community supports
* Work with individuals and families to explore how generic and informal supports can meet their needs where they are waitlisted for formal services and/or planning
* Explore partnerships and cost-sharing arrangements with school boards and Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance (MEIA) who share a mandate around planning and/or provision of supports
* Provide ongoing assistance to individuals and families who require additional support
* Analysts can dedicate time to reviewing how contracted funds are expended and un-bundling existing funding for individual support plans and individualized funding.

Earlier, we reported on Montana public service commissioner Ken Toole's concern about the "undue influence" of "big corporations" who sponsor the Pacific Northwest Economic Region - a council that brings together private and public sector leaders to promote "the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region." But this isn't the first time private sector involvement in such get-togethers has come under criticism.

The premiers's annual meetings have become controversial for similar reasons. As early as 1996, The Toronto Star's late lamented Dalton Camp wrote, "The premiers of Canada's provinces have been invited to meet in Jasper as guests of the Telus Corporation of Edmonton, Ralph's Bake Shoppe & Dry Cleaners, and Canadian National Railways. Underwriting the itinerant habits of provincial premiers has become the latest corporate cachet; if your company hasn't recently fed, watered and bedded down a premier or two, it's only because they're currently overbooked or perhaps suffering from post-Olympic Freeloaders' Fatigue Syndrome."

"Certainly the premiers' conference at Jasper will be the first of these recurring megabore events to be sponsored by private and semi-private corporations," Mr. Camp continued. "The host premier, Alberta's Ralph Klein, sold the advertisers on the deal, wringing some $150,000 out of such indulgent spendthrifts as Canadian Airlines and Calgary's NOVA Corp."

And while such donations "will please some observers who always are impressed by bargains and inclined to believe premiers are overpriced to start with" Mr. Camp wasn't among then. Nor was the Edmonton Journal's Linda Goyette who wrote, in a similar editorial, that such "corporate sponsorship not only creates an impression of conflict of interest, and undue influence, it is a de facto conflict. It suggests the premiers, and their legislatures, endorse Canadian Airlines over Air Canada, CNR over CPR, Nova Corp. over every other energy company, and TELUS over every other communications company."

But, to this day, the premiers continue to partially fund their annual meetings with corporate sponsorships. Because, after all, this is the "future of governance."

Provocateur Michael Moore filmed Sicko to "try and do something" about America's "corrupt" private healthcare system. But it seems some activists in this province are trying to use Mr. Moore's documentary to stop something from happening to British Columbia's public healthcare system. Since the film opened in Victoria, South Island Health Coalition members have been distributing pamphlets outside screenings of Sicko, encouraging moviegoers to help them "protect and enhance" that system. In an interview with Public Eye, the group's co-chair Carol Pickup, a retired Saanich councillor, explained, "Our main purpose is to demonstrate that we certainly don't want to go down the road of the American health system. I think it's very obvious it's the worst health system in the world in that it doesn't cover about 50 million people. And even people with money - if they get a catastrophic illness - they can go bankrupt and get into real difficulty."

"So, with the push by some people toward a two-tier or a private sector healthcare system, I think we need to learn the lessons of the American system - which is the epitome of the free market health system - to see that it does not serve the American people well at all."

Ms. Pickup added the timing of Sicko's release "was perfect as far as we're concerned. And we're also anxious to increase our membership. So if you've got the pamphlet, you'll notice there's a tear-away membership application as well. And we've picked up about 20 new members" as a result.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Montana public service commissioner Ken Toole shares his concern about the Pacific Northwest Economic Region council. Legendary broadcaster Rafe Mair will be discussing his new talk show. And Vancouver Quadra federal New Democrat candidate Rebecca Coad talks about her candidacy. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Alex Tsakumis, Bob Russell and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 8:30 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

The Vancouver Sun's Victoria correspondent Miro Cernetig will be "returning to the Sun newsroom to write a regular column on Urban Policies and the Lower Mainland." This, according to an email distributed to the broadsheet's staffers. "The column will examine how the people and the decision-making at all levels of government affect our cities and lives," the email continues. "It will touch on cultural and economic influences and provide insight into how we are viewed by those on the Pacific Rim and in other parts of Canada." Mr. Cernetig, who will assume his new responsibilities in the fall, has been covering provincial politics for the Sun since 2005. The following is a copy of the aforementioned email.

We are pleased to announce that Miro Cernetig will be returning to the Sun newsroom to write a regular column on Urban Policies and the Lower Mainland.

The column will examine how the people and the decision-making at all levels of government affect our cities and lives. It will touch on cultural and economic influences and provide insight into how we are viewed by those on the Pacific Rim and in other parts of Canada.

Fresh from Victoria and with a strong background in national and international reporting, Miro has the unique perspective to make this column a success. He also has a great ability to work his sources to gain insightful, contextual understanding of issues, scoop the competition and consistently land big stories.

Born in Glasgow, Miro went to The Globe and Mail early in his career and continued on to head its bureaus in Alberta, B.C., China and New York. He has been nominated for three national newspaper awards, winning the NNA for international reporting in 2001.

After serving as The Toronto Star's Quebec bureau chief he returned to The Vancouver Sun in 2005, where he had worked as an intern way back in 1986 to 1988, to become the Sun's correspondent in Victoria. Along with the Sun's Lori Culbert, he was nominated for both a Webster award and a Michener last year for a series on the death, while in government care, of foster child Savannah Hall.

Miro will take up his new responsibilities early in the fall.

Former provincial New Democrat advanced education, training and technology minister Tom Perry says his party's decision to support the Tsawwassen Treaty isn't "courageous." Speaking with Public Eye, Dr. Perry explained, "I think that, politically, it's very dangerous for the NDP to turn it's back on a heritage of really important ideas which have won it the respect of the public. There are very few political ideas that define the NDP in British Columbia. If one asks oneself what they are, one is the agricultural land reserve" - an idea which is undermined by the treaty.

"It adds one more very serious blow to a concept which was revolutionary, bold and one of the defining characteristics of the first NDP government which won the respect of the British Columbians for decades in 1973. And if this treaty proceeds, I don't see how it can't help but seriously weaken the agricultural land reserve," Dr. Perry added referring to the fact the treaty will transfer 207 hectares of land from that protective zone to the Tsawwassen First Nation.

The former Vancouver-Little Mountain legislator also said he thinks his party should oppose the deal because "this is part of Premier (Gordon) Campbell's strategy to co-opt the NDP into supporting Gateway" - a provincial transportation infrastructure program meant to support increase trade with Asia. That program would get a boost if the Tsawwassen First Nation, as expected, use some of their new land to build a container storage facility for Deltaport.

"Although, I don't have any trouble that the expanded container traffic will increase the gross domestic product and provide more tax revenues and more jobs, it must - by definition - do so at the expense of the global environment. So one cannot logically be in favour of controlling global warming and be simultaneously be in favour of massively expanding transoceanic trade in commodities. So it's the old 1987 to 1990 sustainable development gone wild. It's the development that's sustainable - not the environment. And I think it's disappointing the Official Opposition doesn't provide a focus for those people in British Columbia and Canada who do understand" that.

Back in April, Dr. Perry told a Simon Fraser University forum on urban land claims the New Democrat's fence-sitting on the Tsawassen Treaty was making him "question my ongoing membership in the NDP" - suggesting he could quit the party if it didn't take a strong stand for agricultural land. This, according to a report by The Leader's Jeff Nagle. Asked if the New Democrat's decision to endorse the treaty means he'll be tearing up his membership card, said, "I would expect at the least - or hope - that some of the MLAs who do not agree with the decision will vote their conscience. I think if they don't that would certainly seal my fate."

Earlier, we reported on interim provincial Green leader Christopher Ian "Wonder Boy" Bennett's controversial suggestion his party should reverse its policy against accepting corporate donations. But at least one of those running in the race to replace him thinks that's a bad idea. Speaking with Public Eye, Ben West said, "It's fair to say that I don't think the Green Party needs to change its donation policy...Even the Conservative Party of Canada has changed the laws so no party in Canada can take donations federally from any entity other than an individual. And I think that should be the case in B.C. We're the only party in B.C. that's doing that right now. And I think the rest of them should too."

So does he think it's appropriate for Mr. Bennett to be making such suggestions, given the post he presently holds? "He's got a right to have an opinion. It's a posting on his blog. I think we're a party that doesn't muzzle people. His opinion is his opinion. But the policy of the party needs to be decided by the party membership," Mr. West responded.

The Campbell administration's conversation on health was meant to give ordinary British Columbians a say in the future of the province's healthcare system. But unions representing workers in that system aren't the only special interest groups encouraging conversation participation. Earlier this year, pharamceutical company Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. setup a Website to do just that. Not surprisingly, the testimonials featured on that Website focus on those who have benefited from or are advocating for expanded Pharmacare coverage. For example, Lawrie's Story
tells the tale of a 68-year old Chilliwack resident who has been "trying to find out why BC doesn't cover the cost" of the medication he takes to "keep his blood pressure in check and lower his cholesterol."

In an interview with Public Eye, Merck Frosst public affairs manager Vincent Lamoreux explained the Website was simply a "way of encouraging as many citizens as possible to take part in the conversation on health. Of course, Merck Frosst, as a company, commended Premier Campbell's effort and his government when it introduced the conversation on health because it's a mechanism to engage all British Columbians in an effort to find ways to improve healthcare."

Continued Mr. Lamoreux, "Merck Frosst - as you very well know - is a pharmaceutical company and a partner in healthcare in Canada and in British Columbia. So we welcome the opportunity to be able to contribute to the conversation on health. And, of course, we have things to say - input and suggestions on how pharmaceutical management is part of the healthcare equation in Canada. So the interests of patients are certainly shared with the interests of our company. We have common goals."

Indeed, according to the spokesman, "It's clear that anything that's good for patients will be good for our company. Because everything that we do - as to research for new innovative drugs - will help patients lead better lives. So, of course, we're interested in making sure patients have access to our products. It's good for the patient and it's good for our company."

Speaking on Public Eye Radio this past weekend, provincial Green leadership candidate Silvaine Zimmerman took a swipe at interim party grand poobah Christopher Ian "Wonder Boy" Bennett's media relations advice. Said Ms. Zimmerman, "I know he has said to us in the past that the way to get in the news is to say things that are controversial. And I think he's right about that. But I'm not sure if that is a really good strategy actually. Because it does create internal controversy." And, coincidentally, Mr. Bennett may have done just that in a posting on his blog at 6:00 this morning.

In the posting, Mr. Bennett writes "corporate sponsorship is great...Currently we have a party policy banning corporate donations, and I think it's a mistake. I see why it was originally created, but with so many fantastic new green companies looking for exposure and in-line with our own platform, it's a shame we can't work with them to press ahead."

Mr. Bennett goes on to prophetically state, "I can just see the angry emails coming now" before urging Greens not to "over-think this idea, or over-react. Consider it for just a moment: What if? Our party would be in a stronger financial position, and we could do some great things with those finances in preparation for the next election. Imagine the candidates we could support during the campaign? Don't picture some fat-cat in a suit lobbying their evil business interests, consider the idea of a company of like-minded principles allying themselves with us. Sponsorships offer some enormous potential to further and forward our platform and agenda. We should seriously consider it. If we're going to grow and win in the next election, we're going to need some help." Er...yeah. In more ways that one.

The provincial government still isn't saying whether its new top climate action bureaucrat has any environmental credentials. Earlier this month, Public Eye exclusively told you the Western Canada Wilderness Committee sent a letter to Campbell administration asking for "biographical information…relating to Mr. (Graham) Whitmarsh's demonstrated policy understanding of key climate change issues and his track record on managing key cross-government projects." But, in his response to that letter, public service agency deputy minister James Gorman doesn't include any such information.

Instead, he simply says Mr. Whitmarsh, prior to becoming the head of the government's climate action secretariat, demonstrated "a notable capacity for developing relationships across the ministries and a capacity to learn and understand the many complex and diverse issues pertaining to climate action." This, during his two-month stint as the premier's chief carbon trading advisor.

Nevertheless, despite Mr. Whitmarsh's apparent lack of environmental qualifications, Mr. Gorman remains confident the former aerospace and airline information technology executive has the leadership skills "the Secretariat needs to be successful, and I have no doubt that both the Secretariat and the BC Public Service will be well-served by this appointment." So at least Mr. Whitmarsh has that going for him. The following is a complete copy of Mr. Gorman's letter.

***

July 12, 2007

Ms. Andrea Reimer
Executive Director
Western Canada Wilderness Committee
National Office
227 Abbott Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2K7

Dear Ms. Reimer:

Thank you for your letter of July 4, 2007 addressed to Jessica McDonald. I have asked to respond on her behalf. Your comments pertaining to the commitments of the Throne Speech regarding climate action and Government's creation of the Climate Action Secretariat are very encouraging.

You have asked for clarification on the process used to appoint Mr. Graham Whitmarsh as Head of the Climate Action Secretariat. This position, as were all opportunities in the Secretariat, advertised in the Vancouver Sun and on our Employment Opportunities website. The recruitment notice was posted on the website for approximately two weeks, closing May 7, 2007.

There were thrity-one applicants for the position of Head and all the applicants were screened in relations to essential qualifications and a shortlist of five candidates was delivered. The five candidates were then interviewed by a selection panel comprised of Jessica McDonald (Deputy Minister to the Premier), Mr. Chris Trumpy (Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance), Mr. Greg Reimer (Deputy Minister, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources), Ms. Lori Wanamaker (Deputy Minister, Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services) and Mr. Mark McLeod (Director, Executive Recruitment & Retention - PSA).

As outlined in the posting, the recruitment focused on a set of leadership attributes - the Head would have to have demonstrated leadership; led teams; worked and managed collaboratively across and within organizations; achieved real outcomes; be a strategist and problem solver; led change; and identifid and implemented creative yet practical ideas in response to substantive challenges. The advertised list of competencies reinforces this focus - leadership, strategic thinking, results orientation and relationship building were the critical considerations.

A review of Mr. Whitmarsh's employment background and accomplishments clearly reflects a match with our interests relative to the position of Head. Mr. Whitmarsh has more than 15 years of leadership experience, and has served at an executive level for the last 10 years.

Mr. Whitmarsh maintains an impressive record of accomplishment, having led staff and a range of business functions within a number of organizations; successfully executed various corporate change initiatives; crafted and introduced corporate policy and programs; authored and implemented stategic plans; repeatedly developed and executed challenging customer/client service initiatives; achieved real and substantive outcomes; and established exemplary relationships within and across organizations.

The selection panel determined that Mr. Whitmarsh was the most qualified candidate based on his background and accomplishments coupled with the interview conducted by the panel and past work performance checks.

As you mentioned, Mr. Whitmarsh was first appointed Chief Carbon Advisor in the Office of the Premier. He was hired to contributed to some of the preliminary work on climate action, and this initial appointment was based on the aforementioned conclusions regarding his leadership competencies and related executive experience. Over the course of his initial work, Mr. Whitmarsh demonstrated qualifications that further supported our selection decision, including a notable capacity for developing relationships across the ministres and a capacity to learn and understand the many complex and diverse issues pertaining to climate action.

With regard to your question about official announcement, information bulletins are only released for Deputy Minister appointments.

In closing, this is an exciting and ambitious time ahead for the Government and its climate action commitments. Mr. Whitmarsh has demonstrated the leadership the Secretariat needs to be successful, and I have no doubt that both the Secretariat and the BC Public Service will be well-served by this appointment.

Yours sincerely,

James Gorman
Deputy Minister
BC Public Service Agency

The Sunshine Coast Regional District may be adding its name to the growing list of local governments who have hired lobbyists to liase with the Campbell administration. Last week, the district posted a request for expresssions of interest on BC Bid for a "professional public affairs advocacy and communications services" company to "bring about effective legislation for watershed protection on crown and private managed forest lands within watersheds." According to the document, the company would "in consultation with SCRD staff and legal counsel, assist in writing letters and lobbying provincial government to achieve our goals and objectives."

In an interview with Public Eye, community services general manager Paul Fenwick explained, "It's probably the most significant policy issue or change we're trying to change." In fact, the district successfully passed a resolution at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities 2004 annual general meeting calling on the government "to enact legislation that empowers local government water purveyors to protect the communiyt watersheds used for potable water." But so far, such legislation hasn't been introduced.

As a result, Mr. Fenwick says, "We want to see, through the expressions of interest and what comes in, if there might be some expertise or ideas where we might be more effective. It's a specialized field trying to work with government to get change. And maybe a little expert help might be useful to us." Moreoever, he says the district needs a government relations contractor because it doesn't have enough staff to effectively lobby government by itself.

Asked whether the need to hire such a contractor means the province isn't paying enough attention to local concerns, Mr. Fenwick replied, "I guess you could draw that conclusion. But there are examples where they've listened well. For instance, our regional district is one of the fastest growing on a percentage basis. And the Minister of Community Services Ida Chong have supported us getting funding for a phased regional growth strategy. So there's no trouble there. And she's been very supportive. But we're dealing here with what seems to be a very entrenched policy of the province. And we're trying to nudge them in a different direction."

According to the lobbyist registry, other local governments employing government relations contractors include the cities of Colwood, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Nanaimo, New Westminster, North Vancouver and Vancouver, as well as the districts of Kent, Kitimat, North Vancouver, Squamish, West Vancouver. The following is a complete copy of relevant portion of the aforementioned request.

***

Sunshine Coast Regional District
Request for Expression
of Interest
Number: 07 - 067

For
Advocacy & Communication Services
For the Project Titled:
Watersheds Policy Advocacy

Issue Date:
July 17, 2007
Closing Date and Location:
One complete copy of the submission should be received by:
4:00 PM local time, July 30, 2007
at
Sunshine Coast Regional District
Robert McKee, Purchasing Officer
1975 Field Road
Sechelt, BC
V0N 3A1
SCRD Request for Expression of Interest #07 067
Watershed Policy Advocacy Consultant

1. INTRODUCTION
Sunshine Coast Regional District ("SCRD") operates services to provide potable water to its residents and is generally interested in protecting watersheds from forestry and other activities that may be damaging in the short or longer term.

2. STATEMENT of SCOPE

2.1 General Project Definition
The purpose of this Request for Expressions of Interest is to solicit submissions from qualified respondents who are able to provide professional pubic affairs advocacy and communications services. The requirements of this research are ongoing and any contract entered into will be until December 31, 2007. Expressions of Interest should contain the following information:

* Experience of the company and personnel
* References
* Ability to conduct the work and to meet the schedule requirements. * Briefing of any pertinent development and/or project experience of the company. Break out the estimated service fee and costs for each project deliverable.

2.2 Project Deliverables

1. Provide services to join forces with other regional governments to bring about effective legislation for watershed protection on crown and private managed forest lands within watersheds (starting immediately ongoing until December 31. 2007)

2. In consultation with SCRD staff and legal counsel, assist in writing letters and lobbying provincial government to achieve our goals and objectives (starting immediately ongoing until December 31. 2007)

3. On an on call basis, provide advice/research to the SCRD Joint Watershed Management Advisory Committee or SCRD staff regarding communicating to the public and others regarding watershed issues..
SCRD Request for Expression of Interest #07 067

2.3 Mandatory Professional Services

1. Providing a strategy or strategic advice (communications campaign) to lobby for support and legislative change regarding the control of watersheds for local government.

2. Preparing selected correspondence and newsletters.

3. Assisting with a communications campaign.

4. Coaching SCRD staff and Directors on how to interact with senior governments and to implement the strategy to seek policy changes.

5. Companies must submit a company prospectus which highlights knowledge, skills, abilities, training, professional and other certification and experience related to the field of work described herein.

6. Provide references, ideally from three different clients, for whom similar work have been completed within five years; including name of client organization, name of main contact and phone number and a description of the project.

Earlier this week, Premier Gordon Campbell waxed eloquent about the Pacific Northwest Economic Region - an organization that brings together private and public sector leaders to promote "the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region." Speaking with The Globe and Mail's Gary Mason, Premier Campbell called the economic region, which met in Alaska this week, "the future of governance. Too often institutional inertia holds you back from doing things. The only way to move forward is to get together a group of people of like minds and say, ‘Let's act.'" But it seems Montana public service commissioner Ken Toole isn't as enthusiastic.

In a news release distributed today, Mr. Toole expressed concern about the "undue influence" of "big corporations" which fund the council's annual summit meetings - corporations such as BP p.l.c. and TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. Both companies, according to release, are promoting coal bed methane development - an environmental bugbear - in the Flathead Valley, which stretches between British Columbia and Montana. As a result, Mr. Toole has concluded the council is "clearly heavily sponsored by special interest corporations trying to influence public policy that is not interest of Montanans."

In response, council policy and communications director Neil Parekh dismissed Mr. Toole’s concerns. “Most of our budget actually comes from federal dollars - both U.S. and Canadian money along with state and provincial dues," he explained. "So having the private sector involved is part of the mix. But, by no means, an undue influence.” The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned news release.

***

PSC Commissioner and MontPIRG Question Montana's Participation in Corporate Sponsored Policy Junket

Expressing concern about undue influence by big corporations Public service Commissioner Ken Toole is criticizing the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Council (PNWER).

"Any time we see big corporations contributing $50,000 and up to any organization we know they are only doing it to promote their bottom line," said PSC Commissioner Ken Toole.

Toole's criticism came in response to the Annual PNWER Summit occurring this week in Anchorage, Alaska. PNWER is an IRS registered 501(c)6, or common business interest organization, that deems itself a "statutory public/private partnership." The organization holds annual summit meetings, which are funded through large corporate sponsorship, for elected state legislators from participating Northwestern States and Canadian Provinces.

PNWER is the only 501(c)6 that is codified in Montana Law: Montana's participation in PNWER is mandated under 5-11-702 of the Montana Code. PNWER has numerous policy committees that convene on topics ranging from the energy to the environment. Each of these policy committees is co-chaired by an elected official from participating states and provinces and a corporate representative.

The PNWER home page provides a list of sponsorship levels available to corporate interests. For $50,000 a corporation receives recognition as a 'Diamond Sponsor,' their corporate logo on the PNWER homepage, and invitations to join delegates in Ottawa and Washington, DC.

Toole said he issued his public statements after receiving numerous e-mails from constituents in the Flathead Valley expressing concern over BP's recent proposal for a massive coal bed methane (CBM) development in the Canadian Flathead at the headwater of Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. The gas will be transported to markets in pipeline owned by TransCanada.

Toole said, "CBM in the Canadian Flathead will jeopardize water quality in the entire Flathead Basin—including Flathead Lake. I dug around and found out that the two of the big energy corporations—BP and TransCanada—promoting this bad idea also happen to be top level PNWER funders."

Toole concluded, "This so-called public private partnership is clearly heavily sponsored by special interest corporations trying to influence public policy that is not interest of Montanans.

MontPIRG, a non-partisan public interest advocacy organization, joined Toole in questioning PNWER's lack of transparency and excessive corporate influence.

"Montana's participation in PNWER is contrary to our state's long history of open, transparent government," said MontPIRG Executive Director Matt Leow. "Public policy decisions that affect the lives of everyday Montana's should be made in Montana-not exclusive meetings with corporate sponsors that cost $425 for the public to get in the door."

"PNWER is clearly a sophisticated lobbying operation," said Leow. "While corporate lobbyists have full access to lawmakers, everyday citizens are completely shutout of the discussion."

Leow added that he hoped the 2009 Montana Legislature would thoroughly examine Montana's participation in PNWER. "MontPIRG would like to know if Montana taxpayers are paying for this, and if so, what are citizens of Montana getting in return?"

Go to http://data.opi.state.mt.us/BILLS/1997/mca/5/11/5-11-702.htm for the MT PNWER Code.

###

The province's public liquor stores are big money makers for the Campbell administration. Despite increased competition from the private competitors, the liquor distribution branch is still estimated to take in $810 million in fiscal 2007/08. But it seems the government doesn't want any help boosting that business.

Late next month, the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union - which represents branch workers - is planning to roll out a "Shop Public" advertising campaign, encouraging British Columbians to buy their booze from the public rather than the private sector. But, in an interview with Public Eye, branch senior communications program officer Katherine Jeffcoat says employees won't be allowed to wear buttons promoting the campaign.

Said Ms. Jeffcoat, "We have a strict employee uniform policy. And our employees are free to wear whatever they choose when they aren't at work. However, we they are at work they're expected to abide by uniform policy - like most other employers in B.C." And that means they're not allowed to wear "anybody's button." So there.

A federal election isn't expected anytime soon. And that's good news for the Liberals, who raised just $531,141 in the first quarter of 2007 - ten times less than Tories. Nevertheless, the Grit still appear to be slouching toward Ottawa in the hopes of being reborn. The latest election readiness news: the party is scheduling training sessions for ManagElect, their voter identification system. The following is a complete copy of the invite to those sessions.

From: Scott Blurton
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 11:28 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Les sessions de formation de ManagElect/ManagElect Training Sessions - August/août

Le Français suit l’Anglais

Subject: ManagElect Campaign Software

Your riding association can immediately begin to use ManagElect. Requests for access should be sent to helpdesk@liberal.ca. Please include the name of your riding and contact numbers in your correspondence.

What will be covered in the training sessions?

Overview

Duration: 40 minutes

Who should attend?

Candidate, Campaign Manager, Canvassing Chair, or Election Day Chair

What is covered?

A basic overview of the ManagElect package: Attendees learn how the software integrates into the core elements of a campaign strategy. This is a very basic overview focusing on ManagElect features; this is not a tutorial.

Beginner

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Who should attend?

Campaign Manager, Information Technology Coordinator, or Database

Administrator

What is covered?

An overview of everything needed to get started: It focuses on pre-writ period and opening days of the campaign. Attendees will learn what items are required or recommended and how to install and set-up ManagElect for their riding.

Canvassing

Duration: 1 hour

Who should attend?

Campaign Manager, Information Technology Coordinator, or Database

Administrator

What is covered?

Various strategies for identifying voters are covered: In this session attendees go over best practices as well as third party add-ons for canvassing. Campaigns intending to use a call center or phone queue management technology are encouraged to attend. We also explore the various techniques for outputting riding data and then entering canvassed data back into the system (bar code versus optical mark reader).

The following dates and times are available:

(ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN)

A. Thursday, August 9 – 7:00PM [Canvassing]
B. Thursday, August 16 – 10:00PM [Overview]
C. Thursday, August 23 – 7:00PM [Beginner]
D. Thursday, August 30 – 11:00PM [Canvassing]

How to sign up?

Send an e-mail to training@liberal.ca and indicate your preferred session or call 1-866-574-5131 to sign up.

What do I need?

Participants require access to the Internet (preferably high speed) for the visual component. Simultaneously you need to dial-in to a toll free number for the audio segment.

Detailed system requirements:

Stable 56k, cable modem, ISDN, DSL, or better Internet connection

PC

* Internet Explorer® 5.0 or newer, Netscape® 6.0 or newer, Mozilla® Firefox® 1.0 or newer (JavaScript and Java enabled).

* Windows® 2000, XP, 2003 Server.

* Minimum of Pentium® 400 MHz with 356 MB of RAM (recommended)

MAC

* Safari™ 1.3 or newer, Firefox® 1.5 or newer on PowerPC G3/G4/G5, Firefox 1.5.0.2 or newer on Intel® (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)

* Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther) or newer

* PowerPC G3/G4/G5 or Intel processor (G4 450 MHz with 256 MB of RAM or better recommended)

Earlier, we reported British government made a draft of its Climate Change Bill available for public comment. But, if the past is the best predictor of the future, the Campbell administration may have good reason for not following that example. The reason: back in January 2003, the ministry of sustainable resource management launched a similar process for its proposed Working Forest Initiative. That process included the release of a discussion paper detailing that initiative. And what was the result? Well, thanks to the efforts of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, the government received 2,692 written submissions - 97 percent of which opposed the policy. Ouch.

Former Campbell administration deputy minister and provincial Liberal president Andrew Wilkinson continues to expand his list of clients at McCarthy Tetrault LLP. According to the provincial government's lobbyist registry, last month Mr. Wilkinson - who is sits on the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement's dispute resolution panel - began representing the interests of RCI Capital Group Inc. in British Columbia. A 2001 description of the company states RCI "is a federally incorporated Canadian private company with wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries involved in international trade, real estate and financial services. RCI is headquartered Vancouver, British Columbia, and has additional offices in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. We have also maintained operations in the People's Republic of China (PRC) through permanent offices in Beijing and Shanghai since 1996."

"RCI has an interest in a number of Chinese enterprises in mining and real estate. In addition, RCI through its investment vehicle, Renaissance Capital Inc., has raised over $300 million from PRC investors for investment projects in Canada. To date $38 million has been invested in Canadian real estate, hotel, high-technology and manufacturing companies." Mr. Wilkinson has declared his intent to lobby both Attorney General Wally Oppal and Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen on behalf of RCI.

Earlier, provincial Green leadership hopeful Silvaine Zimmerman proposed sharing the party's top job with fellow candidate Ben West. But it seems Mr. West doesn't support Ms. Zimmerman's co-leadership plan. In an email to Public Eye, the Green's former outreach coordinator writes, "It is up to the party to determine the structure of our party but personally I think we need to maintain a clear single leader structure." That being said, though, Mr. West welcomed Ms. Zimmerman's complimentary comments about his candidacy.

"I am happy to hear a Silvaine's kind words about me and my campaign," wrote Mr. West. "It is nice to have the support of a fellow candidate with a long history in the party. Her comments echo those of a number of prominent Greens that have stepped forward to publicly support my leadership campaign and, frankly, I think this speaks to my campaigns momentum."

Remember the controversial independent commission to review MLA compensation? You know, the panel that recommended a 29 percent base salary increase and a generous defined benefit pension plan. Well, have you ever wondered how much commissioners Sue Paish, Sandra Robinson and Josiah Wood were paid to develop those recommendations? So have we. And here's the answer: according to the legislative assembly's recently released supplier payments for fiscal 2006-07, the government transferred $50,000 to each of them. The committee was given 90 days to complete its work.

Back in March, the British government released a draft of its proposed Climate Change Bill "so that everyone - whether in business or in schools or private citizens - can have their say" about the legislation. This, according to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs David Miliband. So some environmentalists in this province are wondering whether the Campbell administration will provide a similar opportunity prior to introducing its own greenhouse gas fighting legislation. It's been suggested that won't happen. But it's also understood the government may be considering launching a Website were British Columbians will be able to discuss climate change solutions.

Last week, we exclusively told you the Campbell administration is apparently supporting a controversial plan to staff a proposed underground coal mine with workers from China. Speaking on Public Eye Radio yesterday morning, British Columbia Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair said that support is partially explained by the fact the provincial government wants "to get more economic development in certain areas." That being said though, Mr. Sinclair added, "When companies yell at this government, they jump. It doesn't matter whether it's changing the rules for forest companies or changing the rules for mining companies. Whatever it is, they are more interested in making sure Howe Street and those guys are happier than workers." Which is why, according to Mr. Sinclair, then Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett spoke to the federal government about the mine's staffing plans.

Last week, interim provincial Green leader Christopher Ian "Wonder Boy" Bennett, urged those seeking the party's top job to "move the party to the middle on some policies" and make inroads with the business community. This, according to a report by The Globe and Mail's Laura Drake. But at least one of those leadership candidates was less than enthusiastic about Mr. Bennett's message. Speaking on Public Eye Radio yesterday morning, former Green campaign co-chair Silvaine Zimmerman said she thinks the interim leader made that statement just to grab a headline. "I know he has said to us in the past that the way to get in the news is to say things that are controversial. And I think he's right about that. But I'm not sure if that is a really good strategy actually. Because it does create internal controversy."

Continued Ms. Zimmerman, "I'm very much into inclusive, cooperative, working-together, solutions-oriented politics. And I think creating controversy may get you into the news. But I don't think it's a very constructive way of doing it. So I disagree with both his strategy and his vision there because I don't think (being) centrist is a meaningful concept. I think having a big tent is a meaningful concept. Working together with anyone who has a good idea - whatever party they're from - is a good concept. If that's what he means - fine. But if he thinks we have to somehow blunt our message or change it somehow or message-massage it into some sort of fudged version of what we're about - I don't agree with that."

During the interview, the party's former external liason also said she would like to see the Greens have co-leaders rather than just one spokesperson. "Ideally, there would be two main spokespeople. In other parts of the world where this is employed, it's usually one man, one woman. And they are chosen by the general membership. And they help each other be spokespeople. As you know, there's a lot of work to be done as any kind of politician - but especially as a leader-type figure."

"I talked with the late Green Party leader of New Zealand. And he said that it really helps them spell each other off. If one is off on the campaign trail or travelling around the globe interacting - doing the sort of activist Green thing - the other one can still be at home attending parliamentary sessions and doing the more directly political thing. So you're kind of juggling all the balls without having to clone yourself."

The candidate said, if she wins, she would prefer to have the party membership pick a co-leader. "But if it's not possible to do it that way, then I think Ben (West) would be my number one choice, yes...I think we would work really, really well together. And I would be so jumping up and down happy if we could work as a team officially. Because he's the same age I was when I started the Green Party. He's around 30. Actually, he just turned 30. So I think he has a connection to the youthful grassroots that we need in the party."

"I think a lot of activist movements lately in the world have been populated by sort of late generation ex-hippies or just the generation that came after. So when you're in a room of activists you are almost looking at a room full of people with grayish or graying or even white hair. And that's not a very healthy situation. I think we really need to bring young people in. So one thing that makes Ben special is that he's younger. And he has an amazing dynamic with people," Ms. Zimmerman.

"He's very much the networker like I am too. And so I think we have a very similar style. We're both very inclusive. And we tend to inspire people to join at least our larger group of friends - if not inspire them to become Green Party members which is our final goal as far as party politics is concerned. Our big goal is to help save the world."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial Green leadership contender Silvaine Zimmerman discusses her run for the party's top job. Saanich-Gulf Islands federal New Democrat hopeful Julian West shares his thoughts on a recent attempt to make sure the Greens don't run a candidate in that riding. And British Columbia Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair weighs in on the Campbell administration's apparent support for a plan to staff a proposed underground coal mine with workers from China. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Bernard Schulmann, Alex Tsakumis and Bob Russell - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 8:30 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Earlier, we reported on then Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett's private display of affection toward Canadian Dehua International Mines Group Inc.'s Gething Coal Project, which included talking to the federal government about the company's controversial plan to staff the proposed mine with workers from China. But the Campbell administration doesn't seem to be nearly as enthusiastic about such plans when communicating to its opponents.

Back in May, International Transport Workers Federation-Canada national coordinator Peter Lahay wrote Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen requesting the province "not support the application of this (sic) Chinese controlled companies request to import some 400 Chinese coal miners."

Minister Hansen's response: "The Ministry understands at this point in time, the project is only a proposal and has not been approved to proceed with either construction or operation…All requests for temporary foreign workers are the responsibility of the federal government, and all companies requesting foreign workers must demonstrate they have attempted to hire from within British Columbia and Canada at a reasonable wage rate, or their requests will be denied. Ministry staff are monitoring the situation and are in frequent contact with their federal counterparts regarding foreign worker applications."

Indeed. Asked for comment on the matter, New Democrat energy, mines and petroleum development critic John Horgan said, "It's absolutely inappropriate for a provincial minister to say to a proponent in another country that he will lobby on behalf of that proponent to bring foreign workers to British Columbia. At the same time, it should be the role and function of the minister of economic development to be forthright about the intentions of this government with those who are communicating with it. And that apparently is not the case." The following is an edited copy of the aforementioned letters.

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Lahay
Sent: Monday, May 28, 2007 2:30 PM
To: Hansen.MLA, Colin
Subject: Canadian Dehua International Mines Group Inc.

Dear Minister Hansen

I urgently write to you today respectfully requesting your Government not support the application of this Chinese controlled companies request to import some 400 Chinese coal miners.

I refer for your information today's newspaper story from Globe and Mail's Report on Business. Clearly there are significant issues that need to be addressed.

I understand that the BC Federation of Labour has come out opposed to this plan and you have dismissed their concerns through the use of old school politics that have worn thin.

It would be my opinion that the Government should heed those concerns, because this could be the issue that brings home so many other issues that have not been in the interest of BC communitties, citizens, workers nor the environment.

Clearly your Government does not give a damn about anything except corporate interests. So much so that you are willing to poison us with emissions through your Gateway project.

I am sure that this email is easy for you to dismiss. However, when people such as myself have had enough and decide to dig in it does not bode well for your Government.

Please reconsider your position on this matter.

Best regards,
Peter Lahay

Peter Lahay
National Coordinator
Intl. Transport Workers Federation-Canada

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Minister, ECDV ECDV:EX
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 3:26 PM
To: Peter Lahay
Subject: FW: Canadian Dehua International Mines Group Inc.

Mr. Peter Lahay
National Coordinator
Intl. Transport Workers Federation-Canada

Dear Mr. Lahay:

Thank you for your e-mail regarding Canadian Dehua International's mining interests in British Columbia and your concerns on the proposed importation of Chinese mine workers.

The Ministry understands at this point in time, the project is only a proposal and has not been approved to proceed with either construction or operation.

While the company has an office established in Vancouver and a presence in Chetwynd, the project is still at the pre-application stage of the Environmental Assessment process. The Environmental Assessment process will require the proponent to meet the regulatory requirements in terms of environmental impact of the project, including socio-economic, community and First Nations impacts.

The Ministry also understands while Dehua Canada International recently issued a press release announcing its intention to hire 400 underground miners from China, no such application has been received by Service Canada. All requests for temporary foreign workers are the responsibility of the federal government, and all companies requesting foreign workers must demonstrate they have attempted to hire from within

British Columbia and Canada at a reasonable wage rate, or their requests will be denied.

Ministry staff are monitoring the situation and are in frequent contact with their federal counterparts regarding foreign worker applications.

Thank you again for outlining your concerns on this matter.

Yours truly,

Colin Hansen
Minister
Ref: 69548

cc: Honourable Richard Neufeld
Minister of Energy and Mines

Mr. John Horgan, MLA
Malahat - Juan de Fuca

Canadian Dehua International Mines Group Inc.'s controversial plan to staff a proposed underground coal mine in northeastern British Columbia with workers from China appears to have the support of the Campbell administration. This, according to records obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request.

Back in November, while attending the China Mining Congress and Exhibition, then Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett met with officials from steel maker Shougang Group Corp. - which has partnered with Dehua to develop the mine.

Hadwritten notes of that meeting, which were taken by ministry of energy, mines and petroleum resources geosciences director Dave Lefebure, indicate Minister Bennett told the officials the "BC Gov't thinks Gething Project a good project." And that the government wants to "show world that BC can develop underground coal mines - need this project to be successful."

Which may explain why Minister Bennett, "talked to Federal Minister (about Gething) and talked about bringing in workers for this project," also telling Shougang he would "do everything I can to help Gething Coal." Although he observed another provincial mine had "trained staff from local people."

A project description for Gething, filed with the province's environmental assessment office last year, states Dehua would "likely source skilled labour from China to meet (the mine's) staffing requirements" - which are estimated at 400 employees. The Globe and Mail's Wendy Stueck was the first to report on that filing. The ministry of energy, mines and petroleum resources declined an opportunity to directly comment on Minister Bennett’s meeting with Shougang.

The Canadian Back Institute Ltd. Partnership, a Toronto-based rehabilitation services company, is looking for business opportunities in British Columbia’s healthcare system, Public Eye has learned. The institute, which employs 2,300 clinical and support staff across Canada, was unable to comment on its activities by publication time. But the provincial government has confirmed the company is marketing itself to at least one health authority. In an email, health communications manager Sarah Plank confirmed the institute has approached the Vancouver Island Health Authority to "discuss ways to enhance patient services around rehabilitation/physiotherapy and how patients move through the system. The health authority has not entered into any contracts with this company, nor have any contracts been tendered." Moreover, "any services provided by a third-party supplier would have to go through a formal tendering process."

So what does Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan's office have to say about city clerk Syd Baxter's controversial email - which was first reported by Public Eye. Well, in an interview with your humble organ, the mayor's communication director David Hurford. "We support Syd 100 percent. He's got a great track record of community service. He serves the city well everday. He's admitted to this error. He's taken responsibility for it right away. He's done the right thing by apologizing for it...And we hope Syd will be getting on with the level of service that we've become accustom to. And he serves all councillors very well. Syd is a very non-partisan guy in terms of his day-to-day work."

But isn't the mayor concerned about Mr. Baxter comparing the city's council chambers to a toilet bowl, suggesting it's deliberations result in hot air? "I think that Mayor Sullivan will have a good sense of humour with regards to a statement like that. We'll leave other councillors to comment about their own personal views about that statement," responded Mr. Hurford. "Syd's record of service speaks for itself. The way he treats people in the chamber is very respectful."

Earlier, we exclusively reported on Vancouver city clerk Syd Baxter's accusation that British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs was "engineering" a potential strike by civic workers. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Baxter said he notified Vancouver's elected officials about that accusation - which was included in a personal email accidentally sent to the Coalition of Progressive Electors. And it just so happens your humble organ has obtained that notification. The following is a complete copy.

----- Original Message -----
From: Baxter, Syd
To: Anton, Suzanne; Ball, Elizabeth; Cadman, David; Capri, Kim; Chow, George; Deal, Heather; Ladner, Peter; Lee, B.C.; Louie, Raymond; Stevenson, Tim; Sullivan, Sam
Cc: Rogers, Judy
Sent: Mon Jul 16 12:25:22 2007
Subject: Personal communication - important

Council Members:

This is to let you know of an unfortunate personal occurrence that has become public.
On Thursday, July 12 on my personal email at home, I received an email from a friend who attached, for my interest, a newsletter he had received from COPE by email. He is on the COPE mail list.
On Thursday evening July 12, 2007 I replied to him from my personal email account and it was inadvertently forwarded to the COPE email address. I believe this occurred somehow because of the incoming attachment. I take responsibility for that error.
This was a personal and private email intended only for my friend. I have communicated with COPE yesterday and advised them of this situation and requested that the email be destroyed and communicated to no person.
The email expressed some frustration with the labour situation the City is facing and contained humour. Obviously, this was private and never intended to become public and should not have. However, if it should cause offence, I sincerely apologize.

Syd Baxter
City Clerk, City of Vancouver

British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs is demanding an apology from Vancouver city clerk Syd Baxter. This, after Mr. Baxter, accused Mr. Meggs of "engineering" a potential strike by civic workers. In a personal email, which was accidentally sent to the Coalition of Progressive Electors on July 12, Mr. Baxter writes "We are going through usual BC politics at the expense of the civic workers. Ask any one of the staff why they are striking and they don't know. Truly, no exaggeration. CUPE and I have no doubt Geoff Meggs and company are engineering this across the region. No work is being done as staff contemplate this."

In response, Mr. Meggs - who was former Mayor Larry Campbell's chief of staff - notified Mr. Baxter via email, "Your statement about me is false and offensive and I would appreciate your immediate written apology."

Speaking with Public Eye, Mr. Baxter wouldn't comment on issuing an apology, saying "I haven't seen anything from Geoff Meggs. So I have nothing to say about that."

As for the email itself, the city clerk says, "I acknowledge that it is my private email. It was sent from my private email account. And it was sent on my own time to a personal friend. I'm not prepared to discuss the content of a personal communication with a friend. I will say that this email is personal and separate from my role as a public servant - a role which I have carried out for 39 years in a professional and unbiased manner. I've informed the mayor and council of this unfortunate occurence - an error on my part. I also yesterday requested COPE to destroy this email which they obviously received in error."

In the email, Mr. Baxter also expresses hope that, "I don't get toilets." - a reference to the fact many managers will be doing union jobs if a strike does happen. He then adds, "What am I saying, I already have the big Chamber bowl. p.s. hope you are well!!! It was 35C yesterday here in south surrey. In Van with the council meeting hot air it must have been at least 40C." The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned emails. Mr. Baxter's initial email was apparently written in response to an item published in last week's Coalition of Progressive Electors newsletter.

***

From: Geoff Meggs
Sent: July 16, 2007 12:40 PM
To: Syd Baxter
Subject: E-mail regarding civic union negotiations

Syd Baxter,
City Clerk,
Vancouver City Hall,
453 West 12th.Ave,
Vancouver, BC

Dear Mr. Baxter,

This morning, your e-mail below was brought to my attention. Your statement about me is false and offensive and I would appreciate your immediate written apology.

Yours truly,

Geoff Meggs

***

From: Syd Baxter
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 9:58 PM
To: 'The Coalition of Progressive Electors'
Subject: RE: COPE Newsletter

Hi Greg:

As you might think (!!) --- horsefeathers! We are going through usual BC politics at the expense of the civic workers. Ask any one of the staff why they are striking and they don't know. Truly, no exaggeration. CUPE and I have no doubt Geoff Meggs and company are engineering this across the region. No work is being done as staff contemplate this.

I expect they will be out early next week. Then I go to 60 hrs wk. Hope I don't get toilets. What am I saying, I already have the big Chamber bowl.

Syd.

p.s. hope you are well!!! It was 35C yesterday here in south surrey. In Van with the council meeting hot air it must have been at least 40C.

***

Mayor dithers as civic strike looms

Vancouver - It's not too late for Mayor Sam Sullivan to avert a stoppage in city services, says COPE Cllr David Cadman.

"The Mayor could show leadership and immediately engage with civic workers to avert any disruption in services," said Cadman. "Instead Sullivan is leaving it all to administrative staff and the GVRD Labour Relations Bureau who are locked in an inflexible process that has dragged on far too long without any solution."

Vancouver's 1800 outside workers, represented by CUPE local 1004, served 72-hour strike notice on July 10. They join other CUPE locals from across the Lower Mainland who have voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action.

"Unfortunately the Labour Relations Bureau has set bargaining parameters that they won't budge from," said Cadman. "Meanwhile NPA Cllr Ball, Vancouver's representative on the Bureau, has not reported back to Council in any meaningful way about these protracted negations."

Civic workers say the Bureau is following an Olympic driven agenda and are demanding a 39-month contract.

"The professionalism and hard work of City staff are what make Vancouver the number one city in the world," said COPE External Chairperson Ellen Woodsworth. "To force them into a situation where they might have to take job action is unconceivable."

When CUPE BC president and representatives of civic workers tried to meet with the Labour Relations Bureau on July 05, Cllr Ball and other members of the Bureau walked out of the room refusing to hear the workers' delegation.

"There is no reason for Vancouver residents to suffer a cut in services," said Cadman. "If that happens Mayor Sullivan and his do-nothing Council colleagues need to take full responsibility."

Last week, we reported the ministry of children and family development's draft action plan had been distributed to leadership team for discussion. But what does that plan - which has also been circulated to some members of the children and family development community - actually say. Good question. And we have the answer. The following is a complete copy of the text of that document, which was obtained by Public Eye.

MCFD
GOOD PRACTICE
ACTION PLAN
Final Draft: July 3, 2007

This document has been prepared by the MCFD leadership team and our Minister, Tom Christensen. The plan is in draft and will remain so for the next few months as we receive feedback from and hold discussions with MCFD staff and our various partners. The plan is based on discussion with hundreds of individuals and groups over the last year and now gives an overview of what we hope to achieve through transformation. It should be seen as a guideline or a "living document" which will be adapted as this process continues to unfold. The vision and principles will not change. While the goals and objectives are unlikely to change, the actions and activities will change over the next 4 years as we systematically move forward to accomplish our goals. This particular plan provides detail until the end of 2008.

We are happy to receive information to add to the plan should you feel strongly that an aspect of service important to children, youth, families and communities has been ignored. If you have a particular idea, or notice a gap in the plan, then please do let us know. Please do not send general comment on the plan. Be as specific as possible and relate your information to one or more of the goals.

As we continue to plan for the ministry we will now begin to introduce and implement a bottom up approach and you will begin to experience this in relation to our service planning, budget and the continued action plan associated with transformation.

Questions should be addressed to the general e-mail address in the Deputy Minister's Office: MCF.DeputyMinistersOffice@gov.bc.ca.

Information in relation to gaps should be sent to the Regional Executive Director (RED) for staff and organizations who are regional, and to the e-mail address above for provincial office staff and provincial organizations.

While much has already been accomplished and good practices continue, we look forward to moving from discussion to action with regard to the key areas of change. I will be allocating work within the action plan to RED's, ADM's and/or specific working groups.

Lesley du Toit
Deputy Minister

Chapter One: Vision, Principles and Overall Outcome

VISION

Children and youth in BC have their developmental needs met and are supported by healthy families and inclusive communities.

MCFD is a value-centred Ministry that is respected and trusted by the public, service providers, and those whom the ministry serves. Staff are confident, competent, valued and empowered. A respectful partnership relationship exists between regions and the provincial office, and between MCFD and partners (aboriginal and non-aboriginal)

Aboriginal peoples exercising their rights to jurisdiction over their children's well-being, through self-determination, have strong and healthy children, youth and families.

PRINCIPLES

Transparency:
To the extent that it is possible within Law, MCFD will be fully transparent with regard to plans, funding, and achievement of goals

Accountability for actions and services
Everyone who delivers services or specifically intervenes with young people, families and communities should be held accountable to their organizations, as well as children, youth, families and communities for an appropriate and quality service.

Value and respect for Aboriginal peoples' traditions, cultures, values and beliefs including existing authorities
Based on traditions, culture and beliefs, Aboriginal peoples have an inherently different perspective or world view of family and community from that of the mainstream western perspective. These influence the way child and family services are perceived and should be delivered. Policy and practice in child and family development services must reflect traditional ways of being and doing if they are to truly be effective in aboriginal communities and with aboriginal young people. The history with regard to residential schools has done significant harm to tradition and culture and thus to communities and families. Respect for traditions and culture now require that policy and practice include reconciliation in this regard. Traditional and cultural practices which provide evidence of child protection and/or child and family development and healing should be recognized as of equal value to those programs developed as western "good practices", and should receive support and resources on the same basis.

Consistency in the application of principles
It should be understood that these principles will consistently guide all policy, practice and quality assurance. While innovation and flexibility is encouraged, the principles remain constant and non-negotiable.

Building on strengths
The resourcefulness and strengths of each family, community and young person should be identified and promoted by providing opportunities to utilize and build their own support networks and to act on their own choices and sense of responsibility.

Continuum of integrated services
A continuum of integrated services ranging from the prevention, to least intrusive interventions, to more intrusive interventions should be available and accessible to vulnerable children, youth and families.

Diversity
Cultural and ethnic diversity is to be recognized and respected in community engagement and service delivery.

Continuity of care, support and/or treatment
Once in the care of the province, the changing social, emotional, physical, cognitive and cultural needs of the child, youth and family should be assessed and addressed throughout the intervention process. Support and resources should be available after disengagement.

Effective and efficient
All interactions and services to and with children, youth, families and communities should be tendered in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Child-rights.
The rights of children as established in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and ratified by Canada and the Province of British Columbia, shall be protected.
The ministry will be remain aware of and respectful of the developing work by the UN on the Rights of Indigenous Children.

Fairness and equity
All children, youth and families in BC unequivocally should receive fair and equitable resources and services.

Non-discrimination
Any form of discrimination against children, youth, families and communities is unacceptable

Participation
In the context of child and family development children, youth, families and communities should be actively and meaningfully involved in all decisions which affect their well-being and development

Family Preservation
(Family includes relatives)
All services should prioritize the need to have young people remain within the family context wherever possible, or if placed in care, to return to their family in the shortest period possible. To this end family and community development and accessibility to a variety of resources, programs and supports should be a primary concern.

Permanency Planning
Every child should be provided with the opportunity to grow up in their family (or extended family) and where this is proven not to be in their best interests, or if not possible for good reason, to have a time-limited plan which provides for life-long relationships in their family (or an alternative family) and a community setting appropriate to their culture and traditions.

Responsive Governance and Service
The service system will be driven by a "bottom-up" approach where needs are identified at the child, family and community level, information is provided to regions, and regions respond with the appropriate su